HC Deb 11 March 1959 vol 601 cc1241-2
24. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Postmaster-General when he intends to authorise the expenditure by the British Broadcasting Corporation of the money necessary to provide television and very high frequency services for the Western isles and north-west Highland coastal areas.

Mr. Marples

The matter is under consideration.

Mr. MacMillan

In view of the fact that this has been the Answer for quite a long time past, will the Postmaster-General say something a little more practical and sympathetic and announce a target date for a service in this area?

Mr. Marples

I cannot give a target date at the moment.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the Minister aware that the B.B.C. is extremely anxious to get on with this job, that there is no difficulty as far as it is concerned, and that it is purely a matter of authorising it to spend the money? What is the delay now?

Mr. Marples

There are quite a number of problems to be solved.